reports that photojournalist Guan Xuejin, employed by a recently established online media company in Hong Kong, was arrested in Bangkok upon returning from covering the aftermath of the explosion near the Erawan Shrine in the city center on the 17th
photojournalist Guan Xuejin, employed by a recently established online media company in Hong Kong, was arrested in Bangkok upon returning from covering the aftermath of the explosion near the Erawan Shrine in the city center on the 17th. According to his statement to the police, for safety reasons, his company provided him with a bulletproof vest and a helmet before his departure.
On the evening of the 23rd, after completing his reporting assignment, Guan Xuejin was arrested by the police at Suvarnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok while waiting to board a flight to Hong Kong.
As reported by "Bangkok Post" on the 25th, airport security personnel found a bulletproof vest and a helmet in Guan Xuejin's carry-on luggage. According to Thailand's Weapons Control Act of 1987, these items are classified as "weapons" and cannot be carried without specific permission.
Guan Xuejin faces charges from airport authorities of "illegally carrying military equipment" and was detained at the airport that night. The next day, he underwent questioning at the Nakhon Pathom Provincial Court.
According to Xinhua International, the court granted Guan Xuejin bail at 100,000 Thai Baht (approximately 18,000 RMB), temporarily confiscated his passport, and stipulated that he must not leave the country during the bail period, requiring regular reporting to the court. A hearing for this case is scheduled for the morning of September 7.
If the case proceeds to trial, it may be handled by a military court. If convicted, Guan Xuejin could face a maximum sentence of 5 years in prison.